Dubai based Empire Aviation Group will leverage its expertise in aviation operations, including safety protocols, SOPs, and fleet management, to ensure seamless market entry for ePlane’s cutting-edge eVTOL aircraft. In addition, the company said it will consider a strategic investment in ePlane in the next round of funding subject to mutually agreeing terms.

Paras P. Dhamecha, founder and managing director of Empire Aviation Group, commented: “Since 2007, Empire Aviation has been focusing on business aviation with a mission to increase corporate use of private jets for business travel and we have developed into a truly global business. As the market for urban air mobility continues to take greater importance, Empire Aviation has entered into a strategic partnership with ePlane to provide our inputs in the development, certification, operational and customer experience aspects of the eVTOL. Prof Satya and his team have embarked on a very ambitious project, and we are confident that we can collaborate together at multiple levels to take this engagement even further”

“This collaboration with Empire Aviation Group is a significant step towards realising the potential of eVTOLs across a global market,” said Prof Satya Chakravarthy, CEO of The ePlane Company. “By combining our patented technology with Empire’s operational expertise across multiple geographies, we are confident in our ability to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable urban air mobility solutions.”

The joint “Air Taxis and Advanced Air Mobility” initiative will leverage MCBS' strong academic foundation and Boeing's industry expertise to unleash the potential of this sector in Oman. The initiative will provide MCBS’ undergraduate aviation students, 76% of whom are women, with opportunities for cutting-edge research to spearhead advanced air mobility technologies. Additionally, students will participate in business challenges related to urban air mobility, and gain leadership and entrepreneurship skills.

Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, stated: “Boeing has a longstanding commitment to Oman, and we are eager to support the evolution of advanced air mobility in the country. By leveraging our global expertise, we aim to foster innovation and empower the next generation of Omani talent. We look forward to supporting the students at MCBS as they explore the opportunities within this burgeoning sector.”

Dr. Muneer Al-Maskari, MCBS’ executive chair, said: "With the recent launch of the MCBS Innovation X Center, the collaboration with Boeing is a game-changer for our students. It offers them unparalleled opportunities to apply their learning and develop leadership skills needed to excel. We are thrilled to partner with Boeing, a company that shares our commitment to new technologies, youth engagement, and sustainability."

Over 530 undergraduate Bachelor of Science students at MCBS will participate in the program in 2025.

The company said the goal of the programme is to establish a pragmatic and repeatable commercialisation playbook to deploy Midnight in dozens of early adopter markets in advance of type certification of the aircraft by the FAA.

Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) is Archer’s first Launch Edition customer, with plans to deploy an initial fleet of Midnight aircraft later this year. Archer personnel will now work together with Abu Dhabi Aviation to fly Midnight in the country in the coming months, targeting a passenger flight in Abu Dhabi later this year. The two will also collaborate across pilot training, flight operations and community engagement.

In addition to the Launch Edition aircraft, Archer also plans to provide ADA with a team of pilots, technicians and engineers to support the initial operational ramp, helping ensure a safe and efficient deployment. Archer also plans to provide backend software infrastructure and front-end booking application to help power urban air mobility operations during the Launch Edition programme.

The partnership between Archer and Abu Dhabi Aviation was formalised this week during a signing ceremony alongside the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, where Abu Dhabi Aviation signed a memorandum of understanding setting forth a framework to fund the deployment of the Midnight Launch Edition aircraft.

Chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation, said: “We have been observing the advancements in eVTOL technology for years, and we are proud to partner with Archer to bring this innovation to the UAE. Abu Dhabi Aviation has the expertise to develop a scalable urban air mobility service and we are excited to lead the way in launching the region’s first electric air taxi service, starting right here in Abu Dhabi.”

Archer will continue to work closely with ADA, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and its other established partners in the region on its goal of launching electric air taxis in Abu Dhabi this year.

“The unveiling of our Launch Edition programme marks the beginning of the next chapter for Archer. This is how we’ll bring Midnight from the manufacturing line to our first customers—and it’s a playbook we’ll run repeatedly as we scale our operations globally. Thank you to Abu Dhabi Aviation for being our first Launch Edition customer. We have a big year ahead,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO and Founder of Archer.

Archer’s goal is to transform urban travel, replacing 60–90-minute commutes by car with estimated 10–20-minute electric air taxi flights that are safe, sustainable, low noise and cost-competitive with ground transportation. Archer’s Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights.

The MoU supports the emirate’s goal of fostering greater cooperation to enhance services by sharing expertise for the common good.

It establishes a framework for IACAD’s use of drones, improving coordination between both organisations. The MoU also outlines essential mechanisms for joint initiatives intended to ensure regulatory compliance and uphold established aviation safety standards, thereby facilitating seamless task execution.

Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi said: "This MoU reinforces our commitment to advancing Dubai’s aviation ecosystem through innovation and regulatory excellence. DCAA is responsible for managing the safe use of drones across the emirate, in close coordination with other government bodies. By working together, we can achieve superior operational effectiveness and guarantee security in our evolving sector."

Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi affirmed that the pact marks a strategic step towards leveraging emerging technologies to refine service delivery in line with the laws and regulations of Dubai. He emphasised IACAD’s proactive approach in adapting workflows to provide high-quality services that meet residents’ expectations and align with the leadership’s vision for cohesive government integration.

He added: "This collaboration embodies our pledge to bolster institutional partnerships, advance best practices, and enhance public sector efficiency, ensuring greater alignment with community aspirations and Dubai’s sustainable development journey."

The Falcon 900EX is configured to seat up to 14 passengers.

Sarah Airways specialises in VIP private transport and medical evacuation.  Its fleet also includes a Falcon 100, a Citation III, a Citation VII, and a Hawker 900XP.

The aircraft is equipped with the latest Leica CityMapper-2 for survey applications and the Airfield Technology AT-940 for flight inspection missions, significantly enhancing United ATS's operational capabilities.

“The acquisition of the DA62 MPP marks a significant milestone for United ATS. This advanced aircraft, with its cutting-edge technology, will significantly enhance our capabilities in both aerial surveying and flight inspection,” said Reda Youssef, CEO of United ATS. “We are committed to leveraging these tools to provide the highest quality services to our clients and to support the growth and development of the aviation sector in our region.”

The DA62 Multi-Purpose Platform (MPP), known for its versatility and efficiency, is the ideal platform for a wide range of airborne special missions. The integration of the Leica CityMapper-2, a high-performance sensor system, allows for precise and comprehensive aerial surveys. This technology is crucial for urban planning, infrastructure development, and environmental monitoring, offering high-resolution data and 3D mapping capabilities.

“Our collaboration and shared commitment to innovation with Diamond ensured United ATS the seamless integration of our industry-leading airborne, hybrid system on Diamond’s state-of-the-art aircraft,” said Layton Hobbs, Product Line Manager at Leica Geosystems. “We are thrilled to have another Leica CityMapper-2 onboard the DA62 MPP and look forward to the amazing projects United ATS will be delivering in the near future.”

The Turkish company has now introduced another unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for use by security forces.

Following the BAHA UAV, Havelsan has developed BULUT, a reconnaissance and surveillance UAV, in line with the project initiated under the leadership of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and the requirements it defined.

After undergoing development at its Robotic Autonomous Systems Centre for some time, BULUT successfully met the tests and requirements set by the Acceptance Committee, which included representatives from users and the SSB. As a result, the UAV was added to the inventories of the Turkish Armed Forces and the General Directorate of Security.

Equipped with an internal combustion engine, it can stay airborne for six continuous hours and conduct reconnaissance and surveillance independently of GNSS.

Designed to operate under light rain and snowfall, the BULUT UAV system can function in various operational conditions thanks to its advanced sensors and software.

Currently in active use by security forces in operational areas, BULUT has a payload capacity of 5 kg and can share data over a range of up to 80 kilometres.

It also employs an electric motor system for vertical takeoff and landing, while its reconnaissance and surveillance operations are powered by a gasoline internal combustion engine, allowing it to remain airborne for up to six hours.

With advanced operational features such as moving object detection and avoidance, collision prevention, and anti-jamming capabilities, BULUT can be deployed for a wide range of missions, including border and coastal patrol, counter-smuggling and counter-terrorism operations, law enforcement and security tasks, narcotics detection, thermal imaging, wildfire response, post-disaster search and rescue, environmental pollution monitoring, agricultural applications, oil and gas pipeline security, energy infrastructure inspections, and search and rescue operations.

BULUT is fully autonomous and capable of taking off and landing without the need for a runway. It is also equipped with an EO/IR/LRF integrated camera system and features a handover capability, allowing mission control to be transferred between ground control stations—an essential feature for security forces.

Havelsan general manager Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar said: “The SSB and our security forces played a significant role in the development of our new UAV, BULUT. The primary reason why BULUT quickly entered inventory and is now actively used in the field is our team's rapid response to these expectations. I congratulate everyone involved in the project.”

Havelsan deputy general manager for simulation, autonomous, and platform management technologies, Muhittin Solmaz, added: “BULUT, built upon the field experience of BAHA, will be a game-changer in its category. We wholeheartedly believe in this.”

During the fourth ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS), held in Abu Dhabi last week, a groundbreaking live demonstration of the HEXA electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, alongside the launch of LIFT Middle East, marked a new chapter in the region’s air mobility development.

Conducted under the supervision of the Smart Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the demonstration flight took place on Wednesday 12 February. It saw the HEXA light sport aircraft take off from the grounds of the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi before flying over the beach and returning to land. Lasting around five minutes, the flight captivated the audience, which included government ministers from around the world, who were participating in ICAO’s GISS.

The flight underscored the growing importance of integrating advanced air mobility solutions into the region’s transportation infrastructure. It also showcased HEXA’s state-of-the-art features, including a three-axis joystick, three-axis autopilot system and an all-electric propulsion mechanism, all designed to revolutionise personal air mobility through safe, easy-to-use, emission free flight.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), emphasised the importance of hands-on experience in understanding electric light sport aircraft operations. He highlighted that the demonstration flight in Abu Dhabi marked a continuation of the various trials conducted by the UAE and ongoing efforts to regulate this vital sector and transition it into the commercial operation phase. Al Suwaidi further reaffirmed the GCAA’s commitment to regulating this emerging sector according to the highest safety standards, ensuring its safe integration with other aviation operators.

Setting new industry standards and positioning Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a leader in the global aviation industry, Advanced Mobility Hub, a member of Multi Level Group (MLG), in strategic partnership with LIFT Aircraft Middle East, have also made a groundbreaking step in the future of air mobility with the launch of LIFT Middle East in Abu Dhabi. The initiative aims to assemble and manufacture light sports aircraft in the UAE to the Middle East, making the region a global hub for advanced aerospace technology.

The project is being implemented with the support of the Smart Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), with the aim of strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global destination for the development and use of smart and autonomous systems.

Mohamed Salah, CEO of Multi Level Group (MLG), said: “This strategic partnership with LIFT Aircraft Middle East and Africa is more than just delivering cutting-edge aviation technology; it is a transformational step towards strengthening the position of Abu Dhabi and the UAE and establishing LIFT Middle East as a regional manufacturing and local assembly centre, reinforcing the UAE's vision for technological leadership and innovation. The AeroX Light Sport Aviation Club project will further enhance this vision, offering aviation enthusiasts a unique experience in the future of aviation. These projects are in line with the UAE's commitment to drive new economic growth, foster innovation, and shape the future of air mobility on a global scale.”

Matt Chasen, CEO of LIFT Aircraft, added: “Our expansion into the Middle East and Africa region from Abu Dhabi and the UAE through this strategic partnership with Advanced Mobility Hub member of Multi Level Group, marks a milestone for the future of lightweight personal air mobility. Through LIFT Middle East, we are building a foundation for local manufacturing, technological advancement and widespread adoption of lightweight personal aviation solutions. The AeroX Light Sports Club project will open up a new world of possibilities, allowing aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike to experience the future of aviation in a safe, innovative and accessible way.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Indian company VMAN Aviation Services placed an order for 20 RX4E aircraft, with the deal worth US$12 million.

The first 10 aircraft scheduled for delivery in January 2026, followed by an additional 10 aircraft in January 2027.

Anwar Hussein, managing partner of Volar Air Mobility Industries, said: “The RX4E aircraft is designed to redefine regional and urban air travel by leveraging cutting-edge electric propulsion technology, significantly reducing carbon emissions while offering a cost-effective and highly efficient aviation solution. With an emphasis on energy efficiency, reduced operational costs, and enhanced safety, the RX4E aircraft is set to become a benchmark for zero-emission aviation.”

He added: Our collaboration with VMAN Aviation Services is a testament to the industry's readiness for electric aircraft adoption. We are not just building an aircraft; we are creating a future where aviation is cleaner, smarter, and more accessible,” added Anwar Hussein, managing partner of Volar Air Mobility Industries.

Vishok Mansingh, CEO at VMAN Aviation, said: "We at VMAN Aviation Services are proud to lead the transition toward next-generation, eco-friendly aircraft. The RX4E aircraft represents a significant advancement in sustainable aviation, and we are eager to integrate this cutting-edge technology into our fleet.This partnership demonstrates our shared vision of a cleaner future for aviation.”

Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Rashid Al Manai, CEO of Lodd, shared that he is expects an RFP for the project to be issued by the government by the end of the month. Subject to approval, he anticipates Lodd’s vertiport network could be developed within two years. 

Lodd has already identified key locations for its vertiport network including Khalifa Port, envisioned as a logistics hub, designed to enable seamless cargo deliveries with both manned and unmanned aircraft. A second vertiport development is also planned on Yas Island’s existing heliport, which will be upgraded to support passenger transport with both helicopters and eVTOLs.

“We are delighted to formalise this strategic agreement with Skyports,” said, Al Manai during the signing ceremony on Tuesday. “We worked with them on a four-month feasibility study before deciding to leverage their expertise in vertiport infrastructure.”

As the Middle East accelerates the development of its Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, Al Manai attributed this progress to strong leadership and effective collaboration among key stakeholders

However, while challenges such as charging infrastructure need to be addressed, he noted that the “biggest hurdle is achieving eVTOL certification and scaling their deployment.”